New Eyes On The CCTV v Security Guard Debate

The Standards For What Optimal Business Protection Looks Like Are Shifting

CCTV or security guard? It’s an age‑old question, but the answers are constantly evolving and the implications for businesses are changing as well.

Paul Goossens, Operations Manager, SafeSite Security Solutions, explores how advancements in AI and other factors are reshaping this ongoing debate.

The conversation over whether to invest in Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) or hire a security guard has been going on for years. But it’s important to revisit it from time to time as business needs, technology – and crime – evolve.

What worked for your company five years ago may no longer be the best solution, given advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and the changing costs of initial investments and ongoing maintenance.

What remains constant, though, is the need for security. Around 26% of all business premises in England and Wales were victims of crime last year, according to the latest GOV.UK stats. The most prevalent type of offence was theft (14%), followed by burglary, including attempts (8%), vandalism (8%) and assaults or threats against employees or customers (7%).

Unsurprisingly, customer theft was particularly high in the wholesale and retail sector, with 26% of premises affected over the past year. More worryingly, customer theft has shown a longer‑term upward trend, increasing from 20% in 2014 to 26% in 2023. Supermarkets in particular experienced much higher levels of theft by customers (76%) and assaults or threats (43%) compared with other retail subsectors.

Crime data showed upticks in both shoplifting and robbery of business property, exceeding pre‑pandemic levels. For all business premises, customer theft (21%) and assaults or threats (16%) were the offence types reported to have had the most negative impact.

Despite these risks, though, over a quarter of businesses still lack a working security system of any kind, and 21% have no protective measures in place for their stock or equipment.

While it’s nearly impossible to eliminate the threat of crime entirely, there are lots of effective measures businesses can adopt. The trick is working out where to invest.

Security Through A New Lens

CCTV is a great choice for many businesses. It’s generally a cost‑effective solution – after the initial outlay for equipment and installation, it usually incurs relatively low ongoing maintenance costs. CCTV can give you continuous 24/7 surveillance, which means businesses can monitor activity at all hours and store recordings for a recommended 31 days. This is very useful when investigating incidents, identifying offenders or providing evidence to the police.

The cameras alone can serve as a powerful deterrent. CCTV also represents the perfect fusion of technology and human insight, as individuals can monitor footage and quickly assess the best course of action.

Advancements in AI are being felt in the world of CCTV too. AI can help filter out false alarms, ensuring security teams focus on genuine threats – which saves on resources. Some systems claim to have a 90% reduction in false alarms, although this probably requires ideal circumstances.

CCTV systems also allow remote monitoring, which means businesses can keep an eye on lots of locations at the same time. CCTV systems can also be expanded easily by adding more cameras as needed – and adapted to pretty much any kind of site.

But they’re not without drawbacks. While CCTV is great at deterring and recording, it can’t jump to the rescue and provide real‑time physical intervention during incidents. If a theft or assault occurs, for instance, CCTV alone can’t stop it.

Cameras also need to be positioned to avoid blind spots – but even then offenders may find ways to avoid detection, for example through tampering with power sources (although systems are much more robust these days). And CCTV’s effectiveness can depend on factors like lighting, weather and camera quality.

There is always potential for missed incidents or false alarms in less‑than‑perfect environments, even with AI‑enhanced systems. There’s also the issue of ensuring CCTV usage complies with privacy laws, like UK GDPR, to avoid legal issues or backlash from employees and customers.

The Argument For A Personal Touch

Lots of people believe the human response that security guards provide is unbeatable. Security guards can deter, apprehend or diffuse criminal behaviour in the moment. They bring experience and judgment to situations, assessing threats and making decisions based on context. Guards can engage directly with people and respond to threats. Often, a pointed stare and or a quiet word is all that’s required. They can also make customers and employees feel safe and looked after.

Security guards act as a powerful deterrent, similar to CCTV, but with the added assurance of the human touch. This makes them particularly effective in industries prone to customer theft or violence, such as retail and supermarkets, where immediate action can be necessary.

As well as security, guards can take on responsibilities such as managing access points, checking IDs and providing customer service, adding further value to their role.

Despite these strengths, there are disadvantages here too. The higher cost of employing an ‘actual person’ is one. Salaries, training, benefits and insurance are ongoing expenses, making security guards a sizable financial commitment for businesses, particularly those requiring 24/7 coverage.

Human limitations are another concern. Guards are only people, after all, and are prone to distractions and errors in judgment. And unlike CCTV systems, they can’t monitor every area of a property simultaneously.

Consider, too, that confronting perpetrators puts guards at risk – which could also leave employers liable if things go wrong.

Where events are escalated to the judicial system, security guards may not have documented incidents as reliably as CCTV can, which can hinder investigations or legal proceedings. And there’s always the potential of misconduct on the part of the guard, which could have an adverse effect on a business’s reputation.

Making The Right Choice For Your Business

Choosing between CCTV and a security guard depends on the nature of your business, your budget and specific security needs. For businesses prioritising cost‑efficiency and comprehensive monitoring, CCTV is an ideal choice. Companies such as warehouses, factories and offices, for instance, which require surveillance across large areas with minimal on‑site personnel, will especially benefit from CCTV.

For businesses that require a hands‑on, real‑time security presence, security guards are obviously the better option. Retail outlets, supermarkets and those places that are vulnerable to theft or violence often benefit from the intervention, adaptability and the reassurance that the physical presence of a guard can give. Their ability to engage directly with individuals and respond to complex situations offers a level of protection that technology alone cannot match.

In many cases, businesses may find that a bit of both is the most effective solution. Integrating advanced surveillance technology with on‑site personnel can maximise your defences and provides real‑time intervention and recorded evidence. AI‑driven analytics further boost this combination by filtering out false alarms, which means that security personnel focus only on genuine threats.

The stats show us that the need for robust security measures has never been greater, as crime rates rise and businesses face evolving threats. But with technology changing the game at lightning pace, the question about whether remote surveillance or boots on the ground is better for your business may need readdressing on a more frequent basis in future.